Midtown Bagels: Our Picks

New York locals have a few culinary treats that are loved across the board: pizza, black-and-white cookies, and bagels. It’s the last one that we’re in love with the most--round circles of yumminess with a chewy exterior and a soft and flavorful interior. Nothing says “Big Apple” than a fluffy, satisfying bagel, and let’s face it… NYC should really be called the “Big Bagel” since it’s such a popular food item in these parts.

For this list, we’re sticking to the most popular Manhattan neighborhood--midtown. Check out our list of NewYorkCityTourist’s favorite bagel shops in Midtown for a bagel experience you won’t regret.

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Photo Credit: Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish

Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish

Zucker’s Bagels and Smoked Fisheasily makes some of the best bagels in all of New York City. Since Zucker’s is centrally located just two blocks from Grand Central, commuters have been flocking to this location since 2013 for a to-go breakfast at the start of a busy work day. Try a classic menu item: the ‘everything’ bagel with lox spread paired with a large iced coffee. If you’re downtown, pop by the Tribeca location.

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Photo Credit: Yelp.com

Best Bagel and Coffee

Centrally located 2 blocks away from Penn Station, this is the perfect place to carb-up with a scrumptious bagel sandwich before you catch your Amtrak. They call themselves Best Bagel and Coffee for a reason, since locals know this is the place for a generously-sized bagel sandy and a jolt of java.

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Photo Credit: Yelp.com

Daniel's Bagel

Looking for a low-key, classic NYC experience? Pop by Daniel’s Bagels for bagels done right--smaller, chewier, and more flavorful than the average deli-bagel. These kettle-boiled bagels remind you of how bagels are supposed to be made. Their chicken salad is a crowd pleaser, and so is the herring spread.

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Photo Credit: www.yelp.com

Tal Bagels

Soft in the middle and crusty on the outside - the bagels from Tal’s are all the rave. Customers love the many different types of cream cheese spreads such as walnut raisin, scallion, and tofu vegetable. Come for a “bagel and schmear” and maybe take a few salads to go.

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Photo Credit: Ess-A-Bagel

Ess- A- Bagel

Around since 1976, Ess-A-Bagel is a true bagel classic. Their motto is “everything on a bagel,” which couldn’t be more fitting. Locals order their bagel topped with anything from tuna fish salad, chicken cordon bleu, chopped liver and more. Don’t let the massive menu intimidate you-everything tastes outta’ this world!